Directives Published February 2025

Presidential directives and executive orders issued by the White House in February 2025.

Summary

  • 26th Feb 25 The President implemented a cost efficiency initiative encompassing technological system development, contract and grant reviews, travel justification requirements, and a credit card freeze to improve government transparency and reduce federal spending. View
  • 25th Feb 25 The President issued an order to enhance healthcare price transparency by directing federal agencies to strengthen existing regulations, improve enforcement, mandate the disclosure of actual prices, and standardize pricing information for easier comparison across providers. View
  • 25th Feb 25 The President suspended security clearances and initiated a review of government contracts related to individuals and Covington & Burling LLP associated with Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation. View
  • 25th Feb 25 An investigation into the national security implications of US copper import dependence was initiated, and a report containing findings and recommendations was requested. View
  • 25th Feb 25 A major disaster declaration was issued for Kentucky, providing federal funding for individual and public assistance in response to severe storms and flooding. View
  • 21st Feb 25 The President issued a memorandum establishing a new investment policy prioritizing US national security and economic interests, restricting investments from adversarial nations and expediting those from allies. View
  • 21st Feb 25 The President issued a memorandum directing agencies to investigate and take action against discriminatory foreign taxes and regulations, pursuing retaliatory measures to protect US companies and economic interests. View
  • 20th Feb 25 The President ordered the reduction of the Federal bureaucracy by eliminating several governmental entities and advisory committees, revoking related executive orders, and initiating the process to withdraw relevant regulations. View
  • 20th Feb 25 The President issued an executive order initiating a review and potential rescission of federal regulations deemed unlawful, unconstitutional, or harmful to the national interest. View
  • 20th Feb 25 President Trump proclaimed February 19, 2025, as the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, recognizing the sacrifices made by American servicemen during that pivotal battle. View
  • 20th Feb 25 President Trump appointed new members to the Council of Governors, strengthening state-federal partnerships on national security, disaster response, and military coordination. View
  • 20th Feb 25 President Trump appointed new leadership and staff to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to enhance communication and collaboration with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. View
  • 19th Feb 25 Federal agencies were directed to review and revise programs to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits did not go to undocumented immigrants; eligibility verification systems were enhanced. View
  • 19th Feb 25 The Presidential order implemented increased Presidential supervision and control over the executive branch, mandated OIRA review of significant regulatory actions, and established guidelines for agency heads' consultation with the Executive Office of the President. View
  • 19th Feb 25 The President issued an executive order to expand access to and lower the cost of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment by directing a review of policies and the submission of policy recommendations within 90 days. View
  • 18th Feb 25 The President directed executive departments and agencies to publicly disclose details of terminated programs, cancelled contracts, and discontinued obligations of federal funds. View
  • 17th Feb 25 A presidential proclamation reserved February 17, 2025, to commemorate George Washington's Birthday. View
  • 16th Feb 25 Federal emergency aid was authorized for Kentucky to address the impacts of severe storms, flooding, and landslides, with FEMA coordinating relief efforts. View
  • 15th Feb 25 The President issued an order prohibiting the use of federal funds for schools mandating COVID-19 vaccines for students and directed the creation of guidelines to protect parental rights and end such mandates. View
  • 14th Feb 25 The President established the National Energy Dominance Council, tasked with advising on and implementing a national energy strategy to increase domestic energy production and achieve energy dominance. View
  • 13th Feb 25 The President established the Make America Healthy Again Commission to address the rising rates of chronic diseases and childhood illnesses, commissioning a comprehensive study and proposing policy changes. View
  • 12th Feb 25 The President issued an order reinforcing executive authority over foreign policy implementation, outlining accountability measures, and mandating reforms within the Foreign Service. View
  • 12th Feb 25 The President sent numerous nominations to the Senate for various positions in several federal agencies and departments, and withdrew one nomination. View
  • 12th Feb 25 The President increased aluminum tariffs to 25%, terminated existing trade agreements related to aluminum imports with several countries, and ended the product exclusion process for aluminum imports. View
  • 12th Feb 25 President Trump appointed a new President's Intelligence Advisory Board with members representing various backgrounds to advise on national security matters. View
  • 11th Feb 25 This presidential action implemented a hiring freeze, initiated large-scale reductions in force preparations, revised federal hiring processes, and initiated rulemaking to revise suitability requirements for federal employees. View
  • 11th Feb 25 Terminated existing country exemptions and agreements, implementing universal 25% tariff on steel imports and derivative products while eliminating the product exclusion process. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The President issued an order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement for 180 days to review its impact on U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, directing the Attorney General to review guidelines and policies and potentially take remedial actions. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The President issued an executive order eliminating the Federal Executive Institute, revoking related prior documents, and directing the Office of Personnel Management to implement the elimination. View
  • 10th Feb 25 The President issued an executive order ending the federal government's procurement of paper straws and initiated a national strategy to eliminate their use nationwide. View
  • 9th Feb 25 President Trump proclaimed February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day, commemorating the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as per Executive Order 14172. View
  • 8th Feb 25 The President halted US aid to South Africa, prioritized Afrikaner refugee resettlement, and directed executive departments to implement these actions. View
  • 8th Feb 25 The President ordered a review of federal actions potentially violating Second Amendment rights and mandated the creation of a plan to protect these rights. View
  • 8th Feb 25 The President established the White House Faith Office, amended existing executive orders related to faith-based initiatives, and outlined the Office's responsibilities in supporting faith-based organizations and protecting religious liberty. View
  • 8th Feb 25 President Trump appointed Pastor Paula White-Cain as Senior Advisor, Jennifer S. Korn as Faith Director, and Jackson Lane as Deputy Director to the newly established White House Faith Office. View
  • 7th Feb 25 - The President ordered a review of executive actions potentially affecting Second Amendment rights and established a plan to protect them. View
  • 7th Feb 25 The President issued a memorandum directing a review of all NGO funding by executive departments and agencies, aligning future funding with US national interests. View
  • 6th Feb 25 The president declared a national emergency and imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, blocking assets and suspending entry into the US for certain officials and their families. View
  • 6th Feb 25 A task force was established to investigate and address alleged anti-Christian bias within the US government and to protect religious freedoms. View
  • 5th Feb 25 Rescinded funding from programs that allow male participation and promoting fair and safe athletic opportunities for women. View
  • 5th Feb 25 The president amended an executive order on duties addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain in China, clarifying de minimis treatment and outlining general provisions for implementation. View
  • 5th Feb 25 Directed the US to withdraw from the UNHRC, cease funding for UNRWA, and review US involvement in international organizations. View
  • 5th Feb 25 Directed multiple agencies to implement a maximum pressure strategy against Iran, involving sanctions and diplomatic isolation. View
  • 4th Feb 25 Paused tariffs on Canadian goods until March 4, 2025, to assess Canada's response to the border crisis. View
  • 4th Feb 25 Established a policy to create a sovereign wealth fund to maximize national wealth for American citizens. View
  • 3rd Feb 25 Paused tariffs on Mexican goods to assess Mexico's response to the border crisis; tariffs may be reinstated. View
  • 2nd Feb 25 Imposed a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on energy resources due to illicit drug trafficking. View
  • 1st Feb 25 Imposed a 10% tariff on goods from China due to the influx of synthetic opioids. View
  • 1st Feb 25 Imposed a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Mexico due to illegal immigration and drug trafficking. View

President Trump Announces the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board

Published: Wed 12th Feb 25

President Donald Trump announced the appointments of a new President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB).

The board, chaired by Devin Gerald Nunes, comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds intended to advise the President on national security issues and ensure the Intelligence Community aligns with the 'America First' agenda.

The appointees include Scott Glabe, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, Brad Robert Wenstrup, Wayne Berman, Reince Priebus, Robert O’Brien, Joshua Lobel, Sander R. Gerber, Katie Miller, Jeremy Katz, and Thomas Ollis Hicks, Jr.

Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative

This Presidential Order aims to restructure the federal workforce to enhance efficiency and reduce government size. It mandates a hiring ratio of 1:4 (one new hire for every four departures), requires agencies to develop data-driven hiring plans, authorizes large-scale reductions in force, initiates rulemaking to revise suitability criteria for federal employment, and directs agencies to submit reorganization plans.

Exemptions are allowed for national security and public safety roles, and the order clarifies that it does not create any new legal rights.

Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States

The proclamation terminates existing steel import agreements with multiple countries and implements a uniform 25% tariff on all steel imports effective March 12, 2025.

It eliminates the product exclusion process, expands derivative steel product coverage, and strengthens enforcement measures.

The changes aim to address rising import levels, global excess capacity, and perceived shortcomings in current arrangements that have prevented domestic steel industry from maintaining targeted capacity utilization rates.

Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security

This presidential order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days.

The order directs the Attorney General to review current FCPA guidelines and policies, aiming to curb what the President views as excessive and counterproductive enforcement that harms American economic competitiveness and national security.

The review will lead to updated guidelines prioritizing American interests, and the Attorney General is tasked with potentially taking remedial action regarding previous enforcement actions.

Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute

Published: Tue 11th Feb 25

President's order eliminates the Federal Executive Institute, citing a need to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars and prioritize programs directly benefiting the American people.

The order directs the Office of Personnel Management to eliminate the Institute, revokes related prior executive documents, and emphasizes the Administration's policy of eliminating programs that don't serve national interests.

Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

President's order mandates the federal government to cease purchasing and providing paper straws, deeming them environmentally and economically inefficient.

The order also encourages nationwide elimination of paper straw use by addressing relevant policies and collaborating with entities that penalize plastic straw use.

This is presented as a response to a perceived irrational campaign against plastic straws in favor of paper options with unanticipated negative side effects.

Gulf of America Day, 2025

Published: Sun 9th Feb 25

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day.

This declaration commemorates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, reflecting the President's desire to restore American pride in its history and the significance of this geographical area.

This proclamation followed Executive Order 14172, which authorized the renaming and encouraged national recognition.

Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa

This Presidential order halts US aid to South Africa in response to the country's Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which facilitates the seizure of Afrikaner agricultural land without compensation.

The order cites South Africa's human rights abuses, including racially discriminatory policies and inflammatory rhetoric, as well as its foreign policy stances that pose national security threats.

The order prioritizes humanitarian relief for affected Afrikaners via refugee resettlement and directs executive departments to halt all aid, except where deemed necessary by relevant agency heads.